The Koran (Al-Qur'an)

This Meccan surah (or chapter) begins with the first revelation to the Prophet Muhammad, commanding him to read in the name of his Creator, who has taught humanity through the pen. The later verses highlight human arrogance in defying divine guidance, focusing on an individual who obstructs worship. It emphasizes God’s watchfulness and warns of severe consequences for such transgressions, urging the Prophet to persist in worship and draw closer to God.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) celebrates the divine revelation of the Qur’an on the Night of Glory, declaring its immense spiritual significance. It asserts that this night, which is more powerful than 1,000 months, is a time when angels descend with divine decree, bringing peace until the dawn. The surah highlights the profound blessing of this night in Islamic tradition.

This Medinan chapter addresses disbelievers’ demand for clear evidence of divine truth. It explains that a messenger was sent with purified scriptures containing the truth, yet divisions arose among the People of the Book. True faith involves worshipping God sincerely, performing prayers, and giving alms. The chapter contrasts the eternal punishment of disbelievers with the eternal rewards of the faithful, emphasizing God’s pleasure in the righteous.

This Medinan surah (or chapter) describes the final earthquake on the Day of Judgment, when the earth will expose its contents and humanity will be shown their deeds. It emphasizes the meticulous nature of divine justice, since even the smallest of good or evil deeds will be accounted for.

This early Meccan chapter begins with a description of warhorses in battle, illustrating loyalty and dedication. It transitions to criticize humanity’s ingratitude and excessive love for wealth, reminding them of their ultimate accountability on the Day of Judgment when the contents of graves and secrets of hearts will be revealed.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) focuses on the Day of Judgment, referring to it as the Crashing Blow. The chapter says that on that day, humanity will be like scattered moths and mountains like tufts of wool. The fate of individuals will depend on the weight of their deeds: Those with heavy deeds will find peace, while those with light deeds will face Hell, which is described as the bottomless pit and a blazing fire.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) critiques humanity’s obsession with worldly competition and wealth. This distracts them from the reality of death and accountability. It warns that people will be shown hellfire and questioned about their worldly pleasures. The surah urges reflection on life’s transience and the certainty of divine reckoning.

This Meccan chapter uses the imagery of a fading day to emphasize the urgency of salvation. It highlights the human condition of loss unless individuals believe in God, perform good deeds, and encourage each other to uphold truth and patience. The chapter encapsulates a concise formula for success in this life and the Hereafter.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) condemns those who backbite, hoard wealth, and assume their riches grant them immortality. It warns that such individuals will face Hell, which it describes as the Crusher—a fire that engulfs hearts and encloses them in towering columns. The surah highlights the moral and spiritual dangers of greed and malice.

This Meccan chapter recounts the failed invasion of Mecca by the army of Abraha, which included war elephants. God intervened through flocks of birds that pelted the army with stones, demonstrating His power and protection of the Ka’ba. The chapter serves as a reminder of divine sovereignty and encouragement for the believers.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) connects with the preceding one, emphasizing how God’s protection of Mecca enabled the Quraysh tribe to thrive in their trade and feel secure. The surah urges them to worship and give thanks to God, the Lord of the Ka’ba, who provides sustenance and safety.

This Meccan chapter describes the traits of those who deny the Day of Judgment: They neglect orphans, fail to urge generosity, and show hypocrisy in worship. It warns against heedless prayer and ostentation, calling for genuine acts of kindness and responsibility toward others.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) reassures the Prophet Muhammad after he faces an insult about his lack of male descendants. It declares that true abundance is granted to the Prophet, urging him to pray and sacrifice for God alone. The surah emphasizes that those who hate the Prophet are truly cut off from legacy and blessing.

This Meccan chapter addresses the Prophet’s rejection of a compromise suggested by the disbelievers. It asserts the incompatibility of monotheism with idol worship, firmly stating that the Prophet Muhammad and his followers will never worship the disbelievers’ gods. The chapter emphasizes their distinct paths.

This Medinan surah (or chapter) is a prophetic announcement of Mecca’s surrender to Islam. It acknowledges the influx of converts and instructs the Prophet Muhammad to celebrate and praise God, seeking His forgiveness. The surah conveys humility and gratitude in the face of success.

This Meccan chapter condemns Abu Lahab, who is the Prophet Muhammad’s uncle and fierce opponent, and his wife for their hostility. It prophesies their punishment in Hell, symbolizing their ultimate failure despite their worldly status and wealth.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) declares God’s absolute oneness, self-sufficiency, and uniqueness. It refutes any notions that God has offspring or that anyone can claim equivalence to God, emphasizing His incomparable nature. The surah encapsulates the core tenet of Islamic monotheism.

This Meccan chapter is an invocation seeking refuge in God from various harms, including creation’s dangers, the night, witchcraft, and envy. It highlights reliance on God as the ultimate protector.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) seeks protection from the harm of whispering devils, whether human or jinn. It invokes God’s sovereignty as the Lord, King, and God of humanity, affirming His role as the ultimate source of refuge.